Corrections officer accused of abuse to take stand today
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Testimony in the case against a former corrections officer at the State Correctional Institution Pittsburgh is expected to conclude today with the defendant taking the stand.
Harry F. Nicoletti Jr., 61, of Coraopolis is accused of abusing inmates under his case.
He has denied the allegations.
Closing arguments could be held on Thursday. The trial began Jan 9.
Mr. Nicoletti is charged with 89 counts, including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and official oppression. The charges stem from statements provided by 22 inmates, many of whom were sex offenders, on F Block at the prison.
The defense called a number of witnesses on Tuesday and will continue today with Lt. Joseph Ober on the stand.
The lieutenant was Mr. Nicoletti's supervisor on the 2 to 10 p.m. shift for more than two years before Mr. Nicoletti was walked out of the prison based on these accusations on Jan. 5, 2011. Lt. Ober testified that he never got any complaints from staff about Mr. Nicoletti, nor did he hear any complaints of sexual, physical or verbal abuse by him.
He characterized the man as a "good officer," and said he was shocked the day Mr. Nicoletti was removed.
First Published January 23, 2013 12:00 am
